A controversy over commercial signage in the Arts District was resolved in favor of the signs at City Hall this afternoon.

The Dallas City Council unanimously approved a deal to create a special exception to sign rules for a proposed high-rise development on Ross Avenue.

Under the deal, developer Craig Hall will be permitted to place illuminated signs on all four sides of his planned 17-story high-rise to advertise the names of building tenants.

Such signs are prohibited within the Arts District.

The plan was touted as a compromise in favor of economic development.

Hall had told council members that he would not be able to build the highrise without the ability to erect tenant signs.

The compromise requires Hall to place the signs at the top of his building, versus at its midpoint or nearer the base as he requested.

The signs also must be slightly smaller than requested and include only letters of a single color. Logos or other adornments aren't permitted.

Hall said he was satisfied with the plan, but some residents of the district felt differently.

Lee Cobb, a member of the homeowners board of One Arts Plaza, said residents weren't included in discussions on the deal.

"We're not very happy about it. It's typical Dallas. All business," he said.

Patricia Camargo Bowles, another resident of One Arts, said she expects the decision to snowball. The nearby Trammell Crow Center will likely also seek an exception to the district's sign rules, she said.

Council member Angela Hunt has opposed the signs but was involved in creating the deal passed today. She was ill and not present at council when the plan was passed.